Brian Young, Executive Director of Nashua Center, was recently honored with the Business Excellence Award in the Nonprofit category by a panel of judges for the New Hampshire Business Review (NHBR).

A West Newbury, MA resident, adoring father of two girls and proud husband, Brian has worked more than half of his life to create one of the most successful and reputable nonprofit agencies in New Hampshire. Program Director for Nashua Center, Nancy Farrell writes, "When Brian assumed the role of Executive Director in 1989, he inherited a sinking ship. The agency, founded in 1974, was deep in debt and Brian had a commitment to the individuals served and a belief that we provided the best quality services."

Today, after almost 30 years of hard work and dedication, Brian proudly reports to the Board of Directors the strongest financials in the Center’s history. During Brian’s tenure, the Center has expanded from a segregated school to an agency hosting four major programs which collectively provide services to more than 500 individuals each year from birth through life.

Farrell says, "Brian never takes the credit for all he has done. He always says, 'I surround myself with good people!  He is a great leader who is always looking to inspire others to be the new leaders in the field of human services."

Brian is celebrated in his local community for his 21 years of service on the Pentucket Regional and Whittier Regional School Committees. He is also the lead singer of the Thomas Machine Works Band who generously donates countless hours to raise funds for the Nashua Center and other local charities.

Thirteen business people were honored at the NHBR's 9th Annual Business
Excellence Award Ceremony. The award is given annually to leaders across 11 different business categories and recognizes New Hampshire business leaders who demonstrate imagination, industriousness, innovation, achievement and community dedication.  More than 300 people attended the Oct. 27 event, which was held at the Radisson in Manchester.

"Each of the businesspeople who receive these honors has a different story to tell," said Sharron McCarthy, president of McLean Communications and publisher of NHBR. "But what they have in common is determination, industriousness and the ability to come up with innovative solutions that have allowed their businesses to survive and thrive, regardless of economic conditions, and a commitment to serving their communities."